Army commander lauds soldiers for the fall of top NPA leader

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 1): Army commander lauds soldiers for the fall of top NPA leader

Compostela Valley, July 1 - - Philippine Army Commander Lt. General Hernando Iriberri recognized yesterday at the 10th Infantry Division Headquarters in Mawab, Task Force Minions soldiers, who killed Leonardo Pitao “Kumander Parago” on Sunday (June 28).

A total of 64 soldiers received combat medals for their successful conduct of Task Force Minions.

Among the awardees, 16 soldiers received Gold Cross medals, the third highest award in the Army before Medal of Valor and Distinguished Conduct Star.

Nine soldiers received bronze cross medals and 39 got Military Merit Medal, interim to Gold Cross medal.

Lt. Gen. Iriberri said that as far as he can recall, the said activity is the only event in the history of the Philippine Army that gave 60 combat awards.

“This is really a record breaking for me,” Iriberri declared.

He congratulated the soldiers for giving their best for their fellowmen and their commanders for the unparalleled accomplishments.

Iriberri also urged Major Gen. Eduardo Año to frame the map board showing the details of the Task Force Minions.

“That map board will enable future generations of soldiers to learn on how to do it properly and how to conduct combat operations properly,” he said.

“Sobra pa sa libro yan. (It is more than a book). It speaks of volumes of how operations can be done par excellence,” he added.

Lt. Gen. Iriberri also recognized the support of the community leading to the successful operation of Task Force Minions.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2871435723151/army-commander-lauds-soldiers-for-the-fall-of-top-npa-leader